Statement form State Senator Gustavo Rivera on the Passage of the Compassionate Care Act in the Senate Health Committee:

"Today, New York State took a big step toward providing thousands of New Yorkers suffering from serious and debilitating conditions access to medical marijuana to relieve their symptoms. As Ranking Member of the Senate Health Committee, I proudly voted for the Compassionate Care Act, and I congratulate Senator Diane Savino and my other colleagues who voted to approve the bill. Now it goes to Senate Finance. While its future is uncertain, I know we did the right thing today - and I will work as hard as I can to ensure that the Compassionate Care Act passes the Senate before the end of this session. Those whose suffering will be alleviated from its passage deserve no less."